Springfield Township Trails, Present and Future
Below is a listing of trails and sections of trails that are short-term, long-term, and only conceptual at this time.
Many of the details will be determined and fine-tuned through public input and from discussions with those whose properties abut the trails. As such, many of the details below are just concepts (precise location, surface type, amenities, etc.) which will be determined at the time of their implementation.
The information here is extracted from the Open Space Plan of 2005. There is a link at the bottom to the full document.
A. Cresheim Trail/Wissahickon Green Ribbon Trail Connector (A.K.A. Plymouth Rail Trail) (A on map)
This linkage would utilize the remaining portions of the former railroad right-of-way corridor adjacent to Flourtown Country Club. It would connect the proposed Cresheim Trail to the Wissahickon Green Ribbon Trail and Fort Washington state park, which are important regional open space resources. The width, length, and location of this linkage make it one of the most important potential open space corridors in the Township.
In addition to connecting open space areas, its existing and potential links with shopping areas, schools and neighborhoods represent a unique opportunity to encourage more non-motor vehicle trips to meet local needs.
B. Cresheim Trail (B on map)
This linkage would utilize the former Philadelphia/ Germantown/Chestnut Hill railroad corridor between Stenton Avenue and Paper Mill Road. The trail will connect the village center of Flourtown to Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, passing through Cheltenham along the way. The trial will link to recreational facilities including Fairmount Park, Mermaid Park, and Springfield High School. Currently, portions of this corridor are owned and used by Philadelphia Electric Company and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (for Route 309).
The Cresheim Trail has also been identified in the County's Proposed Primary Trail Network. The Cresheim Trail-Wissahickon Trail Connector would link to the Cresheim Trail at the junction of the 309 corridor and Penn Oak Road.
The Foundation of the Rotary Club of Chestnut Hill has received funding from DCNR for a feasibility study of this trail. The application included a letter of support from Springfield Township. Cheltenham Township and The Friends of the Cresheim Trail have also received a grant for matching funds for the DCNR grant.
C. Wissahickon Avenue Trail Connector (C on map)
A paved trail is already underway connecting Bysher Fields, the Black Horse Inn and historic Bethlehem Pike. A connection between this trail and the planned Wissahickon Green Ribbon Trail at Stenton Avenue is possible through the Mount Saint Joseph School tracts. In January of 2005, Springfield applied for a $10,000 PECO Energy grant for a feasibility/trail design study.
D. Sandy Run Creek (D on map)
Sandy Run Creek extends into the northern corner of Springfield from Upper Dublin Township before entering Wissahickon Creek at Fort Washington State Park in Whitemarsh Township. It therefore provides an opportunity to connect Springfield with an important regional open space area. Further, it would complement Upper Dublin's plan to preserve its portion of the creek as part of a proposed greenway/trail system. This linkage is also identified in the 2001 Sandy Run Creek Watershed Conservation Plan.
E. Oreland Connector (E on map, longer term goal)
This link would connect Haws Lane, Church Road, Meadow Lane, and Montgomery Avenue up to Ulmer Avenue via an off-road trail. Destinations connected by this linkage include Erdenheim Elementary and Senior High Schools, Oreland Ball Field, homes in the northern portion of the Township, and the Oreland Train Station.
F. Manor Creek (F on map, longer term goal)
This portion of Manor Creek is located at the far end of the panhandle area on permanently protected land owned by the Girl Scouts of Philadelphia organization. Its value as a link lies in possible connections with Fairmount Park to the north (via Northwestern Avenue in the Township or Bells Mill Road in Philadelphia) and the Schuylkill River Trail to the south in Whitemarsh Township.
G. North Hills Country Club — Oreland Ballfield (G on map, longer term goal)
This linkage would utilize an existing Township-owned drainage right-of-way that extends from the golf course (and also the swim club) in Oreland to the Oreland Little League Fields. Although usually filled with some water, a portion of its sixty-foot width could be used as an open space connection between the golf course and the ball field site. Further, if used beyond the little league fields it connects with linkage "E" identified above.
H. Wissahickon Creek (H on map, longer term goal)
This portion of the Wissahickon Creek could serve as an extension of the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association's Greenway. After the development of the Wissahickon Green Ribbon Trail along Stenton Avenue, creating an additional greenway along the creek may become be a priority. This link is also listed as a Primary Greenway in the County Comprehensive Plan.
Resources
- Open Space Plan (12/05) [pdf format, large file]